Shanghai must seize the opportunities presented by World Expo 2010 to solve the problems created by urbanization and to accelerate the city's development, said Shanghai Mayor Han Zheng during an international forum on the development of cities held on Saturday at Tongji University.

Han said cities are the outcome of human civilization and have been playing a role of increasing importance when over half of the world's population now lives in urban areas. So cities, affected by the growing trend of globalization must become more people-oriented and promote harmonious societies. To help advance all-round development is also a main purpose of a city

Shanghai has had much success in its recent development, however, it still confronts new challenges. Han said that World Expo 2010 Shanghai offered the city many opportunities for further development.

The theme of the Expo -- Better City, Better Life -- also shows a need in the city's development that is demanded in the age of globalization.

Shanghai must take the opportunity offered by hosting the World Expo to learn how other countries have tackled the problems and contradictions of globalization so it can accelerate sound progress.

Shanghai must also integrate itself into the world and become an important global hub.

Han also said that world Expo 2010 Shanghai would set up an Urban Best Practice Area to provide a platform for demonstration and inter-communication. He added that Shanghai welcomes any city in the world which wishes to participate in the Expo.